GO-GETTING Tyneside grandma and fundraiser Margaret Musgrave is preparing for the challenge of her life.

She is determined to join the gruelling Great North Run later this year but admitted: “I have never really exercised before.”

For decades Margaret, of Cromdale Place, Slatyford, Newcastle, has raised money for charities by encouraging thousands of people to pound the streets for good causes.

But she has always been on the other side of the finishing line.

Her job was to welcome back runners with words of encouragement at the end of the half marathon. But she has never taken part.

Now the 58-year-old fundraiser, who has worked for British Red Cross in Newcastle for a year, is prepared to put her money where her mouth is and risk sore feet, a back bad and worse by running the 13.1 mile course.

She said “ I have started. Three times a week I do circuit training for 45 minutes.

“I ride a bike to tone up. I want to run but my legs don’t want to at the moment.”

The mother of three says that she has the backing of her family.

“My children think it’s great and they are supporting me, but my husband doesn’t think I will do it.

“That makes me even more determined to succeed.”

The Red Cross worker admitted that she feels apprehensive about the task ahead but added: “I want to run. It’s very important to me.”

But there was a word of caution from Whitley Bay GP George Rae.

He said: “This is very admirable. But it is important to get your body in shape. Lose weight, strengthen the cardiovascular system and improve endurance.”

Dr Rae said the achievement for people was all about entering of the marathon, not winning, and there was no shame in walking along the route.

British Red Cross hailed Margaret’s efforts saying that she had helped raise thousands of pounds for charities in the North East.

Fundraising Manager Stephen Tongue said: “We’re very proud of her having a go at this year’s Great North Run.

“We are still looking for runners to sign up and, like Margaret, help us to raise vital funds which will change lives here in the North East and overseas.”